Hyundai Bioscience's broad-spectrum antiviral candidate 'XAFTY®' (XAFTY®), with the active ingredient niclosamide, has achieved remarkable results by suppressing influenza A (H1N1) virus proliferation markers by 99.2% in a human alveolar organoid model, opening a new horizon in infectious disease treatment worldwide.

On July 30, 2026, Hyundai Bioscience officially announced the excellent antiviral efficacy of niclosamide. This trial utilized an advanced three-dimensional human-mimicking model similar to actual human alveoli—a human alveolar organoid. In this model, after infecting with influenza A (H1N1) virus and treating with niclosamide, the virus proliferation marker was suppressed to the remarkable figure of 99.2%.

This trial elevated reliability beyond simple laboratory level. The test was conducted using alveolar organoids differentiated from human embryonic stem cells, which were infected with the virus, treated with test substances at different concentrations, and measured for relative expression of viral proliferation markers (HA mRNA) on day 3 of infection. Notably, the test was performed four times at different concentrations, and included comparative evaluation with existing influenza treatments, demonstrating niclosamide's superior efficacy. Furthermore, as part of the Ministry of Science and ICT's 'National Preclinical Support System Project,' the test was conducted at the credible National Preclinical Trial Support Center of the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, ensuring objectivity and reliability of results.

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Niclosamide, the active ingredient of 'XAFTY,' is known to suppress virus proliferation through regulation of intracellular autophagy activity, and has long been recognized as having potential as a broad-spectrum antiviral agent capable of responding to a wide range of viruses rather than being limited to specific ones. The overwhelming efficacy in this organoid model further heightens expectations that 'XAFTY' could become a key pharmaceutical in responding to seasonal influenza and potential pandemic threats from new viral infectious diseases in the future.

Through these organoid experiment results, Hyundai Bioscience has reconfirmed the strong potential of 'XAFTY' as a broad-spectrum antiviral agent, further raising expectations for its success in future clinical stages. Global attention is focused on Hyundai Bioscience to see whether it will present a new paradigm in responding to various viral threats beyond influenza alone.